By Karen Alford
When we first began our community health program in the village of Kpeyidji, we introduced the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) model. At the time, many neighbors were used to waiting for outside help, expecting us to bring solutions to their problems. Over the past year, however, something remarkable has taken root. Little by little, the community began to recognize their own strengths and resources. They started to see that change could begin with them.
When we returned last week for a health sensitization session, the villagers surprised us with exciting news: they had nearly finished collecting the funds needed to extend water taps to the furthest edges of Kpeyidji. Their vision is to make clean water accessible to every household, eliminating the long walks many families still endure.
This effort was not imposed or funded from outside—it was their idea, their plan and their sacrifice. What once was a “hands out” mentality has become “hands together,” building a stronger, healthier future for their own village.